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Simplify Your Life Week!

August 01, 2017

Did you know that the first week of August is National Simplify Your Life week? There are lots of things we can all do to make life a little more simple — and those things often start in the home. The number one way to simplify your home? Organize it. Our friends at Zaarly asked their top home organizers for some advice.

Dive in with purpose.

Before you begin, decide what your goals are. What is the primary purpose of the space? Where will the items go that you are moving? A goal helps you clarify what stays, what goes and where it goes. It also helps stop a pesky game of tug-of-war over 52 pairs of shiny dress shoes or 323 stuffed animals.

Make three piles: garbage, giveaway and stash somewhere else.

Sometimes, we hesitate to donate or throw things away for nostalgic reasons. Sometimes, we just like the color. But if you haven't used something in six to 12 months, consider getting rid of it. If you can't decide or can't agree, move those items into a bin and stash it away in the garage or shed for a few weeks. Whatever doesn't get retrieved and used, donate it to charity. Someone will love it for you!

Worried about paying big bucks for fancy storage solutions? Oftentimes, you can skip the expense.

Most people don't need expensive solutions. Plastic bins can keep your valuables safe from moisture and nest-shopping rodents. Twelve dollar shelving from Lowes can transform your laundry or mud room. You can also spray paint shoe boxes white and label them with a Sharpie. Again, consider your goals — and possible inexpensive options — before going the expensive route.

Schedule regular organizational checkups.

Waiting to reorganize your spaces until they scream "fix me!" is one sure way to make everyone grumpy. Schedule time each week, month or season, depending on the situation. A kitchen may need a monthly clean-out, and a garage may need a seasonal rearranging to bring spring gardening tools down from the attic and stash away winter gear. A home office may need weekly organization to make sure no bills are missed and everything is filed away for tax time.

Know when to get outside help.

It's not that you don't know how to get organized; sometimes, you just can't — especially if the situation causes you anxiety, is deeply emotional or gets you into an argument with someone you love every time you talk about it. That's when it's time to get outside help.

Need a hand? ReeceNichols has partnered with Zaarly to make sure you get the best service experts for all of your home projects! Ask your ReeceNichols agent for a $50 promo code to use on your first project!